Things to do in South Africa: 20 must-see attractions

Wedged between turbulent oceans and a flat-topped mountain, Cape Town packs a lot into its borders. You will find postcard-perfect beaches with freezing water, historic townships, hillside vineyards, and penguins lounging on white sand. Dining here competes with major global capitals, and adventure waits at every turn, all for a reasonable price. Expect a mix of raw wilderness and relaxed cosmopolitan life under the Southern Hemisphere sun.

Renamed Mbombela, Nelspruit serves as the capital of South Africa's Mpumalanga province and the primary gateway to Kruger National Park. You can explore the biodiversity of the Lowveld Botanical Gardens or descend into the Sudwala Caves, which are among the oldest in the world. The area offers plenty of action, from whitewater rafting to educational tours at the Chimp Eden sanctuary.

Johannesburg is the economic engine of South Africa, where history, art, and nature collide. Spend time at the Apartheid Museum and Soweto to understand the struggle for freedom, or check out the galleries and street art in the Maboneng District. For a change of pace, the Johannesburg Botanical Garden and nearby sites like the Cradle of Humankind offer a quick escape from the city grind.

The ostrich capital of the world

Oudtshoorn, located in the Klein Karoo region, is widely known as the ostrich capital of the world. Several ostrich farms, such as Highgate and Safari Ostrich Show Farm, offer guided tours where you can learn about raising these massive birds. These farms also provide insight into their role in the region's economic history and let you observe these distinctive creatures up close.

Cango Caves: A natural wonder

About 30 minutes outside town, the Cango Caves rank among Oudtshoorn's top attractions. These limestone caverns, shaped by millennia of erosion, feature impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Guided tours, offered in multiple languages, take you through this well-preserved geological wonder. Adventure seekers can also opt for more rugged spelunking tours.

Swartberg Pass: A dramatic mountain pass

The Swartberg Pass, just outside Oudtshoorn, is a dramatic mountain pass delivering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Accessible by car, it requires a slow drive to fully take in the panoramas and stop at the designated viewpoints. While the road is unpaved gravel, it remains drivable for standard passenger vehicles. The area is a favorite for photographers and hikers alike.

Food and drink: Unique local flavors

Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostrich meat dishes, prized for being lean and flavorful. Restaurants like Karoo Pot and Jemima’s serve ostrich steaks, burgers, and even sausages. Local specialties like biltong (cured dried meat) and wine from nearby vineyards are also worth trying. The region suits food travelers looking to taste traditional Karoo flavors.

When to go

Oudtshoorn has a semi-arid climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Spring months (September to November) and autumn months (March to May) bring comfortable temperatures for exploring the area. In April, the KKNK (Klein Karoo National Arts Festival) fills the town with art performances and music, drawing visitors from across the country.

How to get there

Oudtshoorn is accessible by car from Cape Town (a 5 to 6 hour drive) or George, the closest airport hub, located about 1 hour away. Domestic flights connect George to Johannesburg and Cape Town, with fares generally ranging between $90 and $169*. Renting a car gives you the flexibility needed to explore Oudtshoorn and the surrounding area.

A coastal city with a mild climate

Durban sits on the eastern coast of South Africa, framed by the Indian Ocean. The Golden Mile stretches out along the waterfront with miles of boardwalk, dependable surf spots, and an easygoing energy. Subtropical weather keeps swimming comfortable nearly year-round. While the local sand doesn't rival the country's most dramatic coastlines, it works well if you want a sunny, accessible beach base.

A rich cultural heritage

Zulu, Indian, and colonial influences shape everyday life here. The Victoria Street Market brings these communities together under one roof, where stalls sell Indian spices alongside local crafts and jewelry.

For context on the region's past, the KwaMuhle Museum covers the apartheid era and the lives of migrant workers through a sober, educational lens. The Juma Mosque, the largest in South Africa, stands out for its detailed architecture.

Natural sites and nearby attractions

Outdoor spaces sit right on the city's doorstep. The Durban Botanic Gardens, the oldest in the country, offer a quiet green escape inside city limits. For marine life, the uShaka Marine World aquarium runs educational exhibits and shows. Families make up much of the crowd, but it is worth a stop.

A thirty-minute drive inland brings you to the Valley of a Thousand Hills, where steep green ridges stretch out in all directions.

Food: A melting pot of flavors

Durban is famous for its Indian-inspired cuisine, starting with the bunny chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread stuffed with hot curry. You can pick one up at takeaway counters across town. Waterfront spots serve up fresh seafood like prawns and grilled fish. To try traditional Zulu dishes, places like the Mzansi Restaurant serve home-style meals.

When to go

Durban stays warm all year, but the winter months from May to August bring moderate temperatures and lower humidity. Sports fans will find the city charged around the time of the Comrades Marathon in June. December brings summer school holidays, filling the beaches with domestic travelers.

How to get there

King Shaka International Airport sits about thirty minutes outside the city center. International itineraries usually route through Johannesburg or Cape Town. Round-trip flights from Europe average $680 to $900*, with total travel times running between 14 and 18 hours depending on connections.